Esthetic optimization in anterior restorations associating palatal barrier and silicone guide: case report

Abstract

There is a growing demand for esthetic improvement among patients seeking a harmonious smile, which leads dentists to a constant need for professional development and mastery of techniques that can be employed to achieve satisfactory and more predictable results. This article aims to present a clinical case of anterior esthetic restorations, combining the use of a palatal barrier and a transparent silicone guide. A 22-year-old male patient, who is a smoker, sought treatment at the Dental Clinic of the State University of Maringa (UEM) dissatisfied with his previous restorations. Upon clinical examination, discoloration of all teeth and a visible contrast in the tooth-restoration line of elements 11 and 21 were observed. The patient was initially subjected to at-home bleaching treatment, followed by diagnostic wax-up to fabricate the palatal barrier and the transparent silicone guide. The old restorations were removed and a new restoration was made, with the aid of the palatal barrier, which shaped the palatal shell, as well as the transparent silicone guide, which shaped the marginal ridges and the buccal surface. This technique proved to be highly effective, reducing clinical time and facilitating the procedure, as it minimizes the manual skill required by the operator to achieve esthetic excellence.